Meaning and History

Below are two descriptions of the fishhook meaning and legend from two polynesian cultures.

History of the Hei Matau (Maori people of New Zealand)

The fish-hook shape of the hei matau finds its origins in Māori legend, which holds that the North Island of New Zealand was once a huge fish that was caught by the great mariner Maui using only a woven line and a hook made from the jawbone of his mother. Legend holds that the shape of Hawke Bay is that of the hei matau, which caught in the fish's side on the beach.

For the Māori, the hei matau is taonga (a cultural treasure). It represents not only their land, but also prosperity, fertility and safe passage over water. They also denote the importance of fishing to Māori, and their relationship to Tangaroa god of the sea.

Materials and methodsTraditionally, bone hei matau were carved from whale bone. They came in several different forms ranging from the plain and utilitarian, used for catching fish, to the highly ornate, which served as treasured family heirlooms. Today, their main use is ornamental and they are commonly worn around the neck not only by Māori, but also by other New Zealanders who identify with the hei matau as a symbol of New Zealand. They are also popular items on the tourist market.

In contemporary times, hei matau are commonly carved from cattle bone. Some Māori carvers continue to use whale bone, and such pieces are highly valued not only because of the beauty of whale bone and its cultural and historical significance, but also its scarcity. Current laws against hunting whales mean that Māori bone-carvers who carve in whale bone must use a combination of ancient standings or pre-existing supplies, or bones from whales that have recently beached. According to New Zealand tradition and law, Māori have first claim on part of the skeletons of any whales which strand and are unable to be refloated. This is, however, a very limited supply.

Mass productionManufacturers in China and India mass-produce items resembling hei matau for sale on the New Zealand tourist market. These are usually made of a paste of bone and resin. Such manufacturers have attracted criticism for their appropriation of Māori people.

History of the Makau (Hawaii)

Known as Makau in Hawaiian, the fish hook is now a piece of jewelry worn for both decorative and traditional purposes throughout the world. But they were once used to carry out the basic functions of everyday survival. Fish hooks have an intricate history concerning their significance, variety and geography.

SignificanceThe Hawaiian fish hook was made to signify strength and prosperity. It was also used as a traditional tool in hunting and gathering food in the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiians view the sea as a place of beauty and supply, and the fish hook, which is made from materials found in the sea, is meant to emulate these beliefs of self-sufficiency and aesthetic wealth.

History Relying on natural resources in a land without technology or means of long-distance travel, the hook was made from whale bones, sometimes human bones, shells from the sacred ocean, pearl or wood. The hook's intention of use determined what it was made out of, which led to the creation of many different styles for fishing or catching specific kinds of fish. Fishermen had to be well-rounded in order to meet their needs. Therefore, they were also skilled craftsmen and most likely made the fish hooks themselves.

Legend There are many myths and legends surrounding the Hawaiian fish hook. One comes from the belief of ancient carvers who supposedly used the bones of the best fishermen to ensure success with their hook. Hawaiians believed that fishhooks made from human bone without hair on their bodies were "more attractive to fish than hooks from normal bones, such as from whale bone or cow bone," according to Hawaiian Jewelry and Gift.

FunctionFish hooks were used by island men and women to catch and gut fish, as well as catching and preparing other types of food. The main function for fish hooks today is to wish someone a prosperous future or good health. They are also used, of course, simply for decoration.

GeographyHawaiian fish hooks originated in the Polynesian islands and New Zealand and can now be found in either of these places, as well as the majority of Hawaiian Islands. Artisans used sea animals from these oceans, such as sharks and whales, to make the fish hooks.

Types of Fish HooksThere are two kinds of fish hooks: simple and composite. Simple hooks are fashioned from only one kind of material like bone or wood, but composite hooks are two pieces lashed together. Today many Hawaiian hooks are composites, made from bone or wood.

Craftsmanship The fish hook is made with a point, which may be straight or curved depending on design. The point may include a barb which is meant to keep fish from slipping off the hook when caught. All hooks are made with a shank and a point, and are tied and fastened with a strong, thin rope material. They are still hand carved today.